Books like The Downstairs Girl
Award winning
Say My Name
Joanna Ho, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural diversity and personal identity.
Encourages respect for oneself and others.
Strengthens family bonds through shared reading.
Inspires confidence and pride in heritage.

Say My Name
Joanna Ho, 2023
Award winning
The World Belonged to Us
Jacqueline Woodson, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Captures joyful essence of childhood adventures.
Encourages teamwork and community building.
Enhances empathy and understanding through diverse characters.
Stimulates imagination through vibrant storytelling.

The World Belonged to Us
Jacqueline Woodson, 2022
Award winning
Ramen for Everyone
Patricia Tanumihardja, 2023
48 pages
Why to read
Culinary adventure sparks creativity and cultural appreciation.
Engaging storyline with vibrant, colorful illustrations.
Encourages family bonding through cooking-inspired activities.
Supports comprehension and vocabulary growth.

Ramen for Everyone
Patricia Tanumihardja, 2023
Award winning
Change Sings: A Children's Anthem
Loren Long, Amanda Gorman, 2021
32 pages
Why to read
Empowers children through motivational and lyrical language.
Illustrations enhance engagement and understanding.
Encourages positivity and change-making in young minds.
Supports language development and artistic expression.

Change Sings: A Children's Anthem
Loren Long, Amanda Gorman, 2021
Award winning
I Color Myself Different
Colin Kaepernick, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Empowers self-expression and identity exploration.
Fosters conversations on diversity and acceptance.
Encourages understanding of unique personal backgrounds.
Illustrations that captivate and engage young readers.

I Color Myself Different
Colin Kaepernick, 2022
Award winning
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
Renée Watson, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Nikkolas Smith, 2021
48 pages
Why to read
Enhances understanding of African American history.
Strengthens empathy through powerful storytelling.
Encourages critical thinking and discussion.
Beautiful, evocative illustrations complement the narrative.

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
Renée Watson, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Nikkolas Smith, 2021
Award winning
Aaron Slater, Illustrator
Andrea Beaty, 2021
40 pages
Why to read
Empowers creativity and self-expression through illustration.
Inspires overcoming dyslexia with relatable protagonist.
Encourages perseverance and individuality for young readers.
Celebrates diversity and inclusivity in storytelling.

Aaron Slater, Illustrator
Andrea Beaty, 2021
Award winning
The Artful Adventure
Minh Lê, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Stimulates creativity through vivid illustrations and story.
Encourages artistic expression and appreciation in young readers.
Supports developmental milestones in problem-solving skills.
Engaging narrative that fosters a love for reading.

